Rugby News

Reds Launch Willows 13

This Friday sees the launch of the Willows 13 in association with Forever Reds – a season long celebration of the greatest names ever to grace the hallowed Willows field over its long, illustrious history.

As the countdown continues to the closure of our grand old stadium we will be unveiling the best ever 13 players to play for Salford at The Willows and fittingly, with St Helens being 13 games remaining before the Willows is no more, we are delighted to announce that Eric Prescott has been chosen as the best ever 13 to pull on the famous scarlet jersey in the Salfordian cause.

The Willows 13 is being handpicked by a panel of experts including Reds’ Chairman John Wilkinson; legendary head coach Les Bettinson, Club Historian Graham Morris and representatives from the Forever Reds Supporters’ Group Forever Reds (Paul Parkin and Andrew Walsh).Over the course of the season an entire team of Reds legends will be revealed, with many making an appearance at the game where available to be presented with a fabulous heritage shirt adorned with their name and number – a keepsake to treasure and something to mean their memorable contribution to Willows lore is never forgotten.

Eric Prescott is attending the St Helens game, so make sure that you let him know just how beloved he is to Reds fans when he is presented with his shirt at half time. Also in attendance and dining with Eric are Saints legends Steve Prescott (who is, of course, Eric’s son) and Paul Sculthorpe.THE WILLOWS 13 in association with Forever Reds

13 – Eric Prescott

Eric Prescott

Widnes born, Eric originally joined St Helens from the Widnes ICI RU Side and went on to make his debut for them at home to Leeds on October 12th 1968. He was switched into the pack, after playing on the wing, but reverted to the three quarters when he scored two tries vs. Leeds in the 1970 Championship Final.

In 1971 he made the first of his eleven appearances for Lancashire but after missing out in the 1972 Wembley side and Championship team a week later he sought a move. On September 6th 1972 Eric joined Salford for a £13500 fee and it proved to be money well spent for the fiery loose forward.

He played a big part in Salford’s successes in the mid-seventies when they were Division One Champions in 1973-74 and 1975-76. He also played in all four consecutive Lancashire Cup Finals plus the two matches for the BBC 2 Television Trophy which Salford won in the 1974-75 campaign. He also appeared for Salford in the 1976 Premiership defeat to St Helens.

In 1980 he was transferred to Widnes for a £22000 fee and realised his dream of winning at Wembley in 1981. He surprisingly rejoined Salford in January 1984 in exchange for prop forward John Wood.